7 incredible French chateaus you can book now

There is something utterly romantic about staying in a chateau while traveling France. Most of these castle-like estates reside in the French countryside, nestled beside stone-sculpted villages and rolling vineyards that inevitably foster a slower pace, where the company of nature and our traveling companions become the top priority amid the Old World ambience. Of course, the chateaus of today will transport you back in time without losing access to modern conveniences, as most come equipped with amenities such as ensuite bathrooms and Wi-Fi. However, we recommend unplugging from technology completely while staying at the seven chateaus below–all bookable on Orbitz—if only for a day or two, to truly allow the romance of these settings woo you.

RELATED: Want to stay in a treehouse, palace or chalet? Click here for a full list of alternative accommodations!

Photo courtesy of Chateau La Fleunie

1. Château La Fleunie: Condat-sur-Vezere, France

Built sometime after the 12th century, Château La Fleunie resides in a dreamy river valley in southwestern France. History enthusiasts will love staying in the tower rooms, with their exposed stone walls and antique furniture draped in French decor, as well as appreciate the chateau’s proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Caves of Lascaux and Sarlat, where prehistoric cave art dates back some 15,000 years. Boasting 33 rooms total, the chateau grounds also include two restaurants (the gourmet cuisine gets a standing ovation from recent guests), a health club, tennis courts, a pool and an animal park featuring goats and deer.

Photo courtesy of Chateau du Bourdeau

2. Château de Bourdeau: Bourdeau, France

This is a setting that has inspired artists such as Balzac and George Sands. Overlooking Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, Château de Bourdeau features seven bedrooms, each decorated in an individual, quirky style, on grounds that include a small vineyard and an onsite restaurant. The chateau perfectly positions you to the best of the region, as the following cities and villages are all within an hour’s drive: Lyon, Geneva, Annecy and Aix-les-bains and Chambéry.

Photo courtesy of Chateau de la Pommeraye

3. Château de la Pommeraye: La Pommeraye, France

This six-room chateau is nestled within the rolling hills of Normandy, France. Originally built in the 17th century, Château de la Pommeraye was renovated in 2012 to include modern amenities expected by the most discerning of travelers. Recent guests rave about the personal attention and serene, away-from-the-crowds setting, which includes a formal garden and a moat. The chateau can help arrange spa treatments, golf outings and horseback riding. The location also is central to day-trip highlights, such as the towns of Caen and Bayeux, as well as the D-Day beaches of Normandy.

Photo courtesy of Chateau du Marechal de Saxe

4. Château du Maréchal de Saxe: Yerres, France

Feel like French royalty at this chateau set on expansive grounds just outside of Paris. Its 34 rooms are removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet put guests within a 30-minute drive to the city’s top attractions. Recent guests of Château du Maréchal de Saxe recommend it for a final few nights of a Paris vacation, for some  countryside R&R. Decorated in period style, the chateau boasts a library, an onsite restaurant, an indoor pool and a tree-lined park perfect for meandering.

RELATED: 7 incredible castles you can book now

Photo courtesy of Chateau De Noyelles

5. Chateau De Noyelles: Noyelles-sur-Mer, France

Less than two hours from Paris, in the whimsical Baie de Somme, resides the charming Chateau De Noyelles. The 19th-century chateau on France’s northern coast is hugged by massive, landscaped gardens and features eight spacious guest rooms decorated in whites, pearls and greys. Relax in the comfort of the bright and airy rooms, feast on a home-cooked meal onsite or make use of the free bikes to pedal around the countryside.

Photo courtesy of Chateau de Naze

6. Chateau de Naze: Vivy, France

Surrounded by wooded grounds, orchards and moats that date back to the 15th century, Chateau de Naze blends Old World charm with modern comfort in the Loire Valley. It features five beautifully decorated rooms with breakfast included, and all guests have access to a private beach and outdoor pool. It’s an ideal base to visit the vineyards of Saumur, Champigny and Bourgueil.

Photo courtesy of Le Chateau dOsthoffen

7. Le Château d’Osthoffen: Osthoffen, France

This privately-owned chateau goes back to the 12th century, but has remained in the hands of the same family for the past 200 years. The Grouvel Family welcomes guests to step back in time at its lovingly restored castle, Le Château d’Osthoffen, with seven sweetly decorated, yet modest, rooms. The picturesque location puts guests a short distance from the city of Strasbourg, the capital city in the Alsace-Lorraine region of northeastern France.

ALSO: Oui think you’ll also love earning free hotel stays when you join Orbitz Rewards

TIP: Orbitz is now offering even more offbeat and unexpected accommodations. Here’s how to find them on site:

1. Select your destination and travel dates.

2. On the results page, check out the “Filter Properties By” column to the left of the resulting hotel selections.

3. You can sort by “Property Type” and “Vacation Rentals” to uncover cool options such as villas, houseboats, tentalows, castles and more.

Tagged: Europe, Hotels